Marion VFW Post Set To Guide Memorial Day Parade
MARION, Va. – From a garden club and girl scouts to bagpipers and boy scouts, it might seem like the whole town will be on parade on Memorial Day in Marion.
“We will have veterans groups, the fire department and the junior high band,” said Marion Downtown manager Ken Heath.
In all, more than 50 entries are slated to be part of the annual Memorial Day Parade, guided by the local VFW Post No. 4667.
Heath serves as this year’s parade narrator.
The 856-member VFW began the parade a couple of years ago, said quartermaster Bill Sword, a U.S. Army veteran.
The purpose is clear.
“It’s to honor our veterans, our deceased veterans,” said Herbert Johnson, the post’s commander.
About 50 members of Marion’s VFW have died since last year, including 35 World War II veterans, Sword said.
“We don’t get into any political aspects in our parade,” said Johnson, who spent 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, including a stint during the Vietnam War. “It is strictly to honor our veterans and our country.”
The route of the hour-long parade begins at 10 a.m. at the Blue Ridge Job Corps on Main Street/U.S. 11. Then, it follows north through town to the Food City at Dabney Drive.
Next, at noon, the VFW is hosting a free cookout with hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw and cookies on the VFW grounds, 861 Goolsby St.
This VFW stays busy, Heath said.
“One of the things that these guys probably won’t do is tell you how much they do for the community,” Heath added.
Each year, the VFW sponsors six scholarships for local students, including $1,500 for four-year colleges and $800 for community college scholarships, Sword said.
The VFW members also give free American flags to churches, cemeteries and schools, plus hold regular bingo games and sponsor a spring sports tournament for children.
In a sense, Sword said, everything still seems to lead up to the Memorial Day parade.
“It gives you a sense of patriotism – to get away from the everyday problems of the computer,” Sword added. “It gives you a day out with friends.”
YOU SHOULD KNOW
What: Memorial Day Parade
Where: Marion, Va.
When: May 25; starts at 10 a.m., followed by free lunch (donations accepted) at noon, VFW building and grounds, with speaker Perry Bruce, a U.S. Navy veteran
Info: (276) 783-4190
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